NortH News
New Delhi, December 3
India’s relationship with China has been impacted by recent events, though progress has been made in several areas, according to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Jaishankar emphasized that peace and tranquility in the border areas are essential for the development of bilateral ties.
Jaishankar noted that while the disengagement phase at the India-China border has concluded, the focus will now shift to de-escalation and managing activities in the border regions. He revealed that in his recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides agreed to reconvene Special Representatives and Foreign Secretary-level discussions soon to address these issues.
“The conclusion of disengagement allows us to consider other aspects of our bilateral engagement while prioritizing national security,” said Jaishankar. He also highlighted that India’s ties with China have been strained since 2020, following Chinese actions that disturbed peace along the border. However, recent diplomatic engagement has led to some improvement in relations.
Jaishankar reminded the House that China occupies 38,000 square kilometers of Indian territory in Aksai Chin, a result of the 1962 conflict. Additionally, Pakistan ceded 5,180 square kilometers of Indian territory to China in 1963, which had been under Pakistan’s control since 1948. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to resolving the boundary issue through diplomatic discussions, although differences remain over the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
He recounted the 2020 face-offs between Chinese and Indian forces along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, which led to a breakdown in patrolling activities. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaishankar commended India’s armed forces for their swift and effective response. He also addressed the violent clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, noting that fatalities were the first in 45 years and heavy weaponry was deployed in close proximity to the LAC.
Reflecting on the broader history of India-China relations, Jaishankar noted key agreements from 1988 onwards that aimed to maintain peace along the LAC, including confidence-building measures and protocols for border defense cooperation. He stressed the importance of these agreements, stating they highlight the seriousness of the disruption caused by the 2020 events and their long-term implications for the relationship.
